So hard to carry only one tiny bag but my essentials would be a lipstick, card case with driver’s license and credit cards in it and keys – I’m in LA so I’d keep the other essentials (change of shoes, snack, sweater, water, iPad) in a tote bag in the car! Cute bags!
xx,
Kristi

You hit on the secret to mini-bag success – pockets! Fitting my minimal basics in the pockets of my jacket (lipstick, transit and bank cards, phone) leaves the bag free for keys, a notepad and a pen. Luxury!

I bought a great turquoise mini-bag at the Coach outlet and found it surprisingingly roomy. Phone, wallet, keys, lipstick, even sunglasses if I angled them just right. While I’ll always love paper and pens and cameras and makeup bags, when I’m just running errands (or following the noisy terrier around the ‘hood) I find smaller bags do the job just fine.

I have started carrying small purses, inside my larger tote. I need the tote because of course i cannot live without my IPad – IPhone is too small to read on – makeup bag and toiletries bag – two separate ones. Each of those is the size of a mini purse and of course i don’t use everything in them every day but they are like security blankets – What if there’s an emergency ??
The mini bag is helpful for lunch breaks but mostly they are going out at night bags. I just started using the cutest vintage Christian Dior bag. It’s shaped like a crescent and super adorable. Also resurrected a mini Fendi bag. Enjoying being less encumbered.

I would have to carry at least as many mini bags as she has in the photo. I’m actually looking for a maxi-er bag than the one I already have because I’ve had to except that minimizing is hopeless for me! I’m convinced I need all of the things in my giant wallet + a book for the subway + in this time of transition I need an umbrella AND sunglasses (with case) AND a scarf and sometimes I like to stash my extra sweater inside when it’s warmer in the afternoons! I’m afraid it’s just not going to work out between me and the mini. Maybe in the summer when I can ditch all of the transition season stuff. I’ll just have to carry my book separately…

I used to wear an adorable mini by banana republic small, brown suede. I had my keys, my card sized wallet and a boar bristle mustache brush I used on my hair. Then the iPad was invented. I can’t go smaller than an iPad sized purse. And my eyes are to old for the iPad mini!

Having dragged my big bag these past couple of months, I came to realize that the more space we have in the bag, the more we’ll use it.
So, big up for the minis. I am into the idea of buying LV Eva clutch. Any thought on that?